According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, color blindness occurs when an individual is unable to see colors in a normal way. It is also known as color deficiency. Color blindness often happens when someone cannot distinguish between certain colors. This usually happens between greens and reds, and occasionally blues.

There are different degrees of color blindness. Some people with mild color deficiencies can see colors normally in good light but have difficulty in dim light. Others cannot distinguish certain colors in any light. The most severe form of color blindness, in which everything is seen in shades of gray, is uncommon. Color blindness usually affects both eyes equally and remains stable throughout life.

Color blindness is usually something that a person has from birth but can also get it later in life. Change in color vision can signify a more serious condition. Anyone who experiences a significant change in color perception should see an ophthalmologist.

Men are at much higher risk for being born with color blindness than women, who seldom have the problem. An estimated one in ten males has some form of color deficiency. Color blindness is more common among men of Northern European descent.

RCPS will use a non-invasive screening tool that utilizes colored pictures to determine if a student may have color deficiency and should see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist). Screenings for color vision deficiency will be done with all 1st grade students and those new to RCPS annually.

Note: For School year 2018-2019, all students first grade through twelve will be screened for color vision deficiency.